A license is required to hunt or trap in New Jersey and a person must be a minimum of 10 years of age to have one issued (see Farmer Exceptions). Licenses must be openly displayed in the middle of the back on outer clothing.

A completed hunter education course or a resident license from another state is required to obtain a NJ license. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at license agents located throughout the state, or online, provided documentation of a completed course or resident license has been entered in the license database.

New Jersey licenses are for the calendar year and expire on December 31 regardless of when purchased (see Youth Licenses for exception). Deer permits are valid into the following year if a season extends into it, but the current year's license is required. Waterfowl Stamps and Rifle Permits only are valid for the July 1 - June 30 period.

A previous year's resident license (from N.J. or other state) or hunter education card must be presented to purchase a license if a record of one is not already in the license database. If neither is available a duplicate hunter education card can usually be obtained.

License agents can enter your identifying information and see that you are certified already. (Those purchasing a license or permit on-line will automatically be brought to the certification page if necessary.) If not certified for the current year the agent will have you complete a written form for the certification.

LICENSE INFORMATION

Resident Licenses
It is unlawful for any person to obtain a resident license unless they have actually lived in this state for 6 months immediately prior to the time of application.

Non-Resident Licenses
Non-residents must have a record of either a resident license from any state or proof of successfully completing an appropriate hunter education course in the license database in order to obtain a license to hunt or trap in New Jersey. See the Non-resident Hunting Information page for more information.

Non-Resident Two-Day Small Game Firearm Hunting
Good for two consecutive days only. May be used for small game, including waterfowl.

Youth Licenses
Youths 15 years of age and under may obtain a free Youth License upon successful completion of a Hunter Education course. Properly licensed youth hunters (resident & non-resident) aged 1013 may hunt only when accompanied by a properly licensed adult aged 21 or older. Youth Licenses are valid from time of issuance until end of the year the holder turns 16. More information is available on the Youth License page.

Licenses for Active Duty Service Personnel
Any person on active duty in the armed services of the United States, whether a state resident or non-resident, is entitled to hunt with a resident license. Service personnel may obtain a resident hunting license upon presenting proof of active duty to a license agent. A previous resident license (from this or any other state) of the appropriate type or proof of successfully completing the appropriate hunter education course is still required to obtain a hunting license.

Licenses for NJ National Guard Members
Eligible active NJ National Guard personnel are entitled to free licenses, permits and stamps. Contact MSG (Ret.) Robert Greco via e-mail at Robert.Greco@dmava.nj.gov or at NJ Department of Military/Veteran Affairs, 101 Eggert Crossing Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, or call 609-530-6866 for more information.

Special One-Day License
A one-day license may be issued for hunting on a licensed commercial shooting preserve. This license may be obtained at the shooting preserve and is valid only on the day issued for the species covered by the preserves license. Hunter Education requirements still apply.

Rifle Permit
A valid Rifle Permit is required for hunting with a muzzleloader, center-fire or .22 caliber firearm, and for dispatching trapped animals other than muskrat, where allowed by law. Initial Rifle Permit applicants must have successfully completed a Hunter Education course. Rifle Permits are valid from July 1 - June 30. A current Rifle Permit is required to purchase muzzleloader deer permits.

Pheasant and Quail Stamp
Anyone aged 16 and over (except 16 year olds whose Youth License remains valid through the end of the year in which they turn 16) hunting or possessing pheasant or quail on the following designated Wildlife Management Areas shall have in possession a current Pheasant and Quail Stamp (free youth hunting licenses include pheasant & quail stamp): Assunpink, Berkshire Valley, Millville, Black River, Clinton, Colliers Mills, Dix, Flatbrook, Glassboro, Greenwood Forest, Howardsville, Heislerville, Tuckahoe, Mad Horse, Manahawkin, Manasquan River, Medford, Nantuxent, Peaslee, Pequest, Port Republic, Stafford Forge, Walpack, Whittingham and Winslow. Other designated areas include the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Fort Dix (if stocked and open to hunting). Pheasant and quail stamps are valid for the calendar year, January–December.

Waterfowl Stamp
Anyone 16 or older who hunts waterfowl must possess a New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp in addition to the Federal Duck Stamp. Both of these stamps are valid July 1–June 30. A current HIP number is also required.